Are you traveling to the Outer Banks this December for the holidays? If you and your family are vacationing on the Outer Banks for the holidays this year then we know of a few events that you will want to go to. If you still are looking for the perfect Outer Banks vacation rental, we have plenty for you to choose from. Let’s look at what there is to do this December on the Outer Banks.

Winter Lights

Winter time on the Outer Banks is a wonderful time to head over to the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. You and your family will be able to see the gardens to be decked out with beautiful holiday lights and sounds. This will last for 22 days where you can see the gardens glowing with lights that have been transformed into peacocks, deer and other garden creatures. The beginning of Winter Lights begins on Sunday, November 25th with festive food, drinks and fire pits. Don’t miss out on this fun event with the family on your next vacation to the Outer Banks.

Hatteras Island Christmas Parade

We all know that Christmas and the holidays wouldn’t be complete without attending a local Christmas Parade. While you are on vacation come to Hatteras on Saturday, December 8th and enjoy a parade like no other. Beginning at 2:00 pm you will get to see the parade with the ones you love. After the parade and as twilight comes near, see Santa ride throughout the village on a local fire truck spreading holiday cheer to children and adults of all ages. Make this a new tradition for your family vacations each year!

115th Annual Celebration of The Wright Brothers First Flight

Orville & Wilbur Wright took their first flight in North Carolina on December 17, 1903. This year come celebrate the 115th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. On December 17th beginning at 8:30 am you and your family can help experience the tradition honoring Wilbur & Orville Wright on the anniversary of the first powered flight. The event will be taking place at the tent area located south of the Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center. All park entrance fees will be waived for the day. What a memorable day this will be with your family!

These are just a few of the many events happening in the month of December. And if you are still searching for an Outer Banks vacation rental for your stay, please check out what specials we have going on. December is a wonderful time to come and visit the beach for the holidays. We hope that you and your family will come visit the Outer Banks for the holidays this year!

Making new holiday traditions with the family are always special but enjoy Thanksgiving at the Outer Banks can be a new tradition for your family. The first of November marks the start of the holiday season, where everyone makes plans for Thanksgiving and figuring out where it’s going to be each year. But instead of trying to figure it out, just make plans to spend Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks this year in your Oceanfront vacation rental. Soon after Thanksgiving, Christmas music will fill the air and then Black Friday will happen where people will want to shop until they drop. There are plenty of things for you and your family to do while you vacation here for the holidays. Let’s look at why you must spend Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks this year.

Quality Time with Friends and Family

When you think of Thanksgiving, you think of spending as much quality time with your friends and family. A lot of families have made coming to the Outer Banks a tradition each year for Thanksgiving because if you are staying in one of our vacation rentals, there will be plenty of space for everyone. Staying at home can be stressful because many of us want our home to be perfect, meaning we stress over everything. But when you spend a holiday on the Outer Banks, it’s more relaxing and you want to spend as much time with the whole family. Spend the day cooking in your vacation rental or go out to eat instead. It will be totally up to you as how you want to spend your day.

Fall is Here

Fall has officially come to visit the Outer Banks this year and we have to say that it’s wonderful. While the weather has a little chill to the air, it’s still much warmer than living up north. One of the most amazing times to be on the Outer Banks is during the fall months. The weather during the day seems to warm up for you and your family to get plenty of sunshine and play in the sand. And the night time air has a chill to it, but not so much to where you wouldn’t want to take a late evening walk on the beach. This is the perfect time of the year to come celebrate Thanksgiving with your friends and family.

Beautiful Views

Even during the off-season, the Outer Banks Coast is nothing but absolute beautiful. Spending Thanksgiving watching the waves roll in and out from your oceanfront vacation rental is what everyone dreams of. You may see fishing boats off in the distance and people taking their holiday pictures for their Christmas cards on the beach. With miles of beauty how could you not want to vacation here? Take a stroll along the beach, have your family holiday pictures taken, or enjoy a nice night in the hot tub. There is absolutely a ton of things to enjoy while you vacation here.

Shopping Until You Drop

After Thanksgiving, while the Christmas music begins to play, go shop until you drop at the Nags Head Outlet Mall. We know that most everyone likes to make sure you get the best deals for Christmas shopping. We know that while you can find wonderful deals at the outlet mall, you can also find great deals at some of the local shops too. Don’t forget about possibly bringing home something that one of the local artists made or painted to share your Thanksgiving vacation with. The Outer Banks is known for having some of the best homemade gifts to give to others for the holidays. Don’t miss out on any of them this year.

There are many other reasons as of why you should spend Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks, these are just a few that we thought you’d like. If you and your family want to spend Thanksgiving here, please look at our Outer Banks vacation rental inventory. You may be surprised to find the perfect home to rent for the holiday weekend!

Now that school is back in session, it only means one thing for those who love to visit the Outer Banks. Fall fishing on the Outer Banks is one of the best things that you can do when you vacation here. The weather begins to get cooler later in the month of September, there are less people and the fishing is great! And when you stay in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals, then you will be close enough to where you can go fishing. Did you know that the best time of the year for the angler is during the fall months? Let’s look at where you can find some of the best fishing on the OBX this year.

Surf Fishing

When you think about fishing, many like to consider fishing from the beach. This doesn’t require much equipment which is normally a rod and a reel. But if you want to bring a little more to enjoy yourself on the beach. The size of the rod we recommend would be at least an 8 or 9-foot rod to be able to fish from the surf. Having different weights and lengths will help as well to help you with getting your line to stay in the surf and not float away. If you bring with you a sand pipe that will help you keep your rod and reel from getting ruined. It’s just a piece of PVC pipe that you will stick in the ground and super cheap too.

Pier Fishing

If surf fishing isn’t for you but you still want to experience fall fishing, then head on over to Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head for the day. There you will be able to fish for the day for $14 per adult and $7 per child. You can also rent a rod for $10 which can be very beneficial to those who don’t want to bring their own rods. But if you are staying in the area for longer than 2 days and want to fish the entire length of your trip, you can. You can purchase a 3 day or seven-day pass to be able to fish longer than the first few days. You will be able to purchase bait and other items in the tackle shop while you fish.

One thing that you might have to get is an NC Fishing License which is pretty easy to get. You can either go to the NC Wildlife Site to obtain one or when you go fishing on the pier you are able to obtain one there too. The price for Coastal Recreational Fishing is a 10 day for $5 for Residents of North Carolina. If you happen to be a non-North Carolina Resident then the cost is $10. If you are still looking for an Outer Banks vacation rental, check out the specials we have right now.

The Outer Banks happen to be one of the hottest locations for you and your family to enjoy Labor Day Weekend this year. The kids will be headed back to school soon and what a better way to end the summer than a vacation to the Outer Banks. Staying in one of our Kill Devil Hills vacation rentals will keep you where the action is happening. Let’s look at what there is going on during Labor Day weekend below.

Kids Day in the Park

Want something for the kids to have fun with bouncy houses, activities and even a special tour of Whalehead. The Joan’s Way Tour will begin at 3:00 pm and costs $5 per person. Please note that the tour does have a limit of 30 children so please reserve your spot in advance. On August 30 head to the Historic Corolla Park and begins 10:00 am and ends at 4:00 pm. Come and join in on the fun happening here.

Meet a Mustang

Have someone in your family that likes horses, then head over to the Corolla Wild Horse Museum to meet a mustang. On Friday, August 31st at 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, come meet a rescued mustang and learn about the history of the wild Colonial Spanish mustangs. This is a free event for you and your family to enjoy. Please note that the event is weather dependent so please call ahead on the day of the even to make sure it’s still happening. What a better way to learn more about the wild horses of the Outer Banks.

Blacksmithing at Island Farm

The Outer Banks have so much history to share with its visitors, and this event is one you can’t miss out on. Head over to Island Farm located in Manteo where you can see examples of what Hugh Gaylor had in his blacksmith shop in 1850. There is so much to do at this farm that dates back to 1847. Only 15 minutes from Nags Head and is close to Fort Raleigh for more adventures. Admission is $5 per person and children 5 and younger are free. Be sure to check out their website for more information. What a great way to learn about the heritage of North Carolina than to be with family!

WRV Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest

The WRV Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest happens to be known as one of the most anticipated surf contests in the State. This is a thrill for both the participants and for the spectators to watch each year. Located in Nags Head, NC you will be able to view some of the world’s most talented riders competing for the title of OBX Champ! Beginning on Wednesday, August 29th and ending on Monday, September 3 you will be able to enjoy some of this amazing talent of surfing. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see some pro surfers in the waves of North Carolina!

Seaside Hike

What a better way than to head over to Jockey’s Ridge State Park and enjoy some fun there. On August 31st join the staff at the state park to hike the Soundside Nature Trail. You will discuss interesting habitats that live along the barrier islands. This is a free event for you and your family to take advantage of while on vacation. The hike will begin at 9:00 am so be sure to be there a few minutes early to join in on the fun.

While there are many other events happening on the Outer Banks over Labor Day weekend, these are just a few we’d share with you. If you are still hunting for a last-minute Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills vacation rental, we can help you today. We look forward to seeing you this Labor Day weekend to help end the summer out right!

When people come to the Outer Banks for vacation, they think of only the surf, sand and sun. There are many other things for you to do and see. One of the things that is a must do and see would be the Outer Banks wild horses and the last mule of Corolla. And don’t be surprised if you are staying in your oceanfront vacation rental if you happen to spy Raymond or one of the other OBX wild horses. They wanted to come by for a quick hello.

About Raymond and The Wild Horses

Last winter, it was believed that the last living mule was dying and many thought that they would never see him again. Raymond, the mule was originally thought to have passed away during the winter months but he didn’t and proved he is just too stubborn to go. Meg Puckett, the herd manager of Corolla Wild Horse Fund, thought Raymond had passed away after a last effort to save him in November. They had to drug him to be able to saw down his hooves which had become so deformed it was difficult to walk. Many of the locals who know of Raymond took to social media to celebrate his return to the rest of the Outer Banks wild horses.

The wild colonial mustangs are believed to have been brought to the Outer Banks more than 400 years ago. The mules came later when the farmers worked the barrier islands and their livestock got loose among the wild mustangs. While the farmers are now long gone and with Raymond being the only remaining mule of the bunch, it will be a sad time for all who are familiar with him when he passes away. It will feel like a little piece of history has died along with Raymond.

Where to See the Outer Banks Wild Horses

The Outer Banks wild horses roam freely in Corolla and most are going to be found in the 4-wheel drive areas of the beach. While it is illegal to come within 50 feet of the horses, you can still admire their beauty from a safe distance. Please note that you cannot pet or feed these wild horses as they are not like domestic horses. And in 2010 the Spanish Mustang was designated as North Carolina’s official state horse. What an amazing accomplishment for keeping the history of these horses alive. If you’d like a little help seeking out these beautiful animals, there are many tours available to see the Outer Banks wild horses in the Corolla area!

If you are still looking to take a family vacation this year, then please look at one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals. We’d love for you to come visit our beautiful area, and to see the beautiful wild horses and Raymond the mule. Don’t miss seeing Raymond before he is gone forever!

Outer Banks Fireworks Shows & Info

If you are lucky enough to be planning a trip to the Outer Banks during the 4th of July for Independence Day celebrations you’re in for a great time. The OBX fireworks shows for 2018 will be amazing.

There’ll be four fireworks shows on Wednesday, the 4th of July, up and down the Outer Banks. From Kill Devils Hills at Avalon Pier, down to Hatteras Island off the Avon Pier in the Village of Avon.

Check out the different locations below for information and helpful directions. See our tips for beating the crowds as well.

Avalon Pier Fireworks

Kill Devil Hills NC

The Town of Kill Devil Hills has secured a great fireworks contractor from Pennsylvania to do the honors this year. Admission is of course free, and it’s best to bring a towel and settle on the sand to enjoy the show. Fireworks will begin at dark somewhere just after 9pm.

Nags Head Fishing Pier Fireworks

Nags Head NC

One of the most popular Fireworks displays on the OBX, the Town of Nags Head and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is putting on Nags Head’s July 4th fireworks show. To be close to the action you should arrive early, and use the public beach accesses to find a spot on the beach.

Another great option is to view the fireworks show from Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The park will remain open for those wanting to perch atop the dunes and see fireworks. You’ll be able to catch views of other fireworks shows in the distance too!

Manteo Sound Fireworks

Manteo NC

The Town of Manteo makes July 4th Celebrations an all day affair with tons of family fun. The festivities usually began by 3pm, and everything from live bands to genuine Americana on the downtown Manteo waterfront.

You can even begin your day visiting Island Farm where there’ll be Independence Day themed activities and children will love seeing the farm animals.

Cap the night off with music provided by the 208th Army Band out of Concord NC, and an amazing fireworks display. The pavilion lawn at Roanoke Island Festival Park will host the Army Reserve Band and the fireworks will fire off over the Manteo Sound.

Avon & Hatteras Island Fireworks

Avon NC

Dubbed “Fireworks at the Beach” Avon Fishing Pier will be the spot to enjoy fireworks out on the Cape. Radio Hatteras will broadcast a special Independence Day show on FM 101.5 with patriotic tunes and more.

Bring some towels and put your toes in the sand to enjoy this fireworks show up close, but know that you’ll have good visibility all along the Avon Beachfront.

Parking will be limited so be sure to walk, bike, and/or carpool.

We want everyone to have a fun and safe time enjoying Independence Day celebrations on the 4th of July, so we thought we’d provide some insider info.

Also note that many show’s rain delay date will be July 5th should weather not cooperate on the fourth.

TIPS FROM OBX LOCALS FOR WATCHING THE FIREWORKS

Parking spots at beach accesses fill up FAST and once the show is over, it will be awhile before you’ll be able to get out of the parking lot (because of so many pedestrians)

Better to park and walk, the farther away from the beach and the farther you’re willing to walk from your car to the beach, the easier it will be to get your car back on the main highway and to your rental home

Ideally you’ll have booked an oceanside property near one of the shows so you can walk to the beach without having to cross the highway. Better yet, book oceanfront so you don’t have to walk at all

Get their early, set up camp, enjoy the show and relax for an hour or so on the beach afterwards until the crowds clear out.

Don’t blocking driveways beacause you could be towed

Don’t trespass on private property to get to the beach

Don’t fire dangerous fireworks near crowds

Remember to be safe, be patient, and take care of your fellow patriots so we all enjoy the 4th of July Fireworks together.

The location and unique geography of the Outer Banks causes hurricanes to potentially be a major threat. The high winds and surges associated with these powerful storms can cause devastating flooding to the area. Hurricane season starts in June and lasts through the end of November but it should not restrict your plans to vacation on the Outer Banks. Educate yourself about what to do in the event of an impending storm.

The peak season for hurricanes in this area is mid-August through September. Knowing that, it would be wise to purchase travelers insurance when you have that option. It’s also important to remain flexible with your plans. While planning a vacation during hurricane season it’s wise to keep an eye on sites like Accuweather.com for seasonal forecasts and to track storm development within a week or two of your trip.

If you’re on vacation during a hurricane watch, contact us about our hurricane preparedness plan. During a hurricane warning, carefully follow the directions of local officials in your area, and immediately leave if they advise it. In the event of an extreme wind warning/advisory, which means that extreme sustained winds of 115 mph or higher are expected to begin within an hour, immediately take shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

Stan White Realty offers Traveler Interruption Insurance with Red Sky Travel Insurance. Having this coverage will save your investment and possibly your vacation, and also give you peace of mind during such disasters. To purchase the policy, initial in the space provided on your lease agreement.

The fall months on the Outer Banks are the best time of year to visit. Summer crowds have returned home, the weather is comfortable, and the water temp is still enjoyable. Prices also go down during the beginning of the shoulder season. In fact, everything in all aspects is generally cheaper such as dining, shopping and accommodations during this time.

Each year the weather is different, just like anywhere else. It can be a season filled with a bunch of small storms or one large one. Following are some valuable links to check out:

Nags Head Beach Nourishment

The town of Nags Head has plans to preserve our precious beaches through a process of beach nourishment beginning in 2019. Also called beach renourishment, the Nags Head beach nourishment project will help control erosion and extend the width of the beach. The project calls for not only dredging sand, but also to help secure the dunes through new fencing and sprigging.

How Is The Nags Head Beach Doing?

You may have heard that the project was to take place in 2018, but a report by The Outer Banks Sentinel sites a review by Coastal Science & Engineering and Nags Head Board of Commissioners. They found that “The Nags Head beach is in pretty good shape still.” They found that 64% of the 2011 nourishment sand still remains, and although there is work to be done, it will be more cost effective in 2019.

The work will begin on the Nags Head beach nourishment project in the spring of 2019 and take place between milepost 11 and milepost 21. For more information and a informational video visit the Dare County NC beach nourishment page.

We’ll update this Outer Banks blog post with updates when work begins on the Nags Head beach nourishment project in the spring of 2019, but until then come visit Nags Head!

Come Visit Nags Head in 2018

The summer of 2018 in the Outer Banks will be free of any construction work on the beaches and an ideal time to head out to Nags Head for a beach vacation. As one of the premier Nags Head vacation rental companies we have a host of great Nags Head rentals still available for summer. Many even have discounts you can use to save even more than our regular great rates. Check out our Outer Banks specials page to browse Outer Banks rentals with discounts for summer 2018.

Each year the Hatteras Village Civic Association hosts participants from all over the east coast in the quest for Hatteras’ big blue marlin. The rules are very simple. The Island is very welcoming. And the fish are out there. This is your chance to make a difference.

Registration

Entry forms and fees can be mailed ahead of time. On site registration starts at 5 p.m. on May15 at the Hatteras Village Civic Center. All boats fishing the tournament must be registered by 8 p.m. on May15.

Fishing Days

Fishing days are any three out of the four days from Wednesday, May 16 through Saturday, May 19, 2018. The non-fishing day must be reported to one of the official reporting stations listed below prior to 8 a.m. of the day declared a non-fishing day.

Release Forms

All marlin released must be reported on a release form the same day as the fish is released. Release forms must be turned in at the Official Weigh Station at Hatteras Harbor Marina by 6:30 p.m. each day except for the last day when they must be in by 6 p.m.

Awards

Cash prizes and plaques will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in Level 1, and cash prizes for Level 2 which are billfish levels. Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place in Level 3. Level 4 is winner take all and a plaque for the largest blue marlin landed as specified in the rules. Cash prizes will be awarded for the largest tuna, dolphin and wahoo weighed in daily in Level 5. Cash prizes will be awarded for the greatest number of daily billfish release points in Level 6. The Hatteras Village Civic Association will retain 15% of the entry fees.

If you’re one of the many brides whose heart is set on an outdoor beach wedding you must consider the Outer Banks in North Carolina! When planning a wedding on the Outer Banks we can set you up in the perfect vacation rental homes that will accommodate your entire wedding party.

One of the most important factors to consider when planning a wedding outdoors is the weather. Besides the obvious concern over rain, also consider the extreme summer heat and strong winds like the type you’d find during hurricane season. Somewhere between all of these extreme elements of weather are many very beautiful days quite suitable for a beach wedding anywhere on the Outer Banks.

Spring days during March and April are chock full of some beautiful days with a few chilly days with strong winds coming in off the ocean. May, June and early July are probably the best days to have a ocean front wedding before the extreme heat arrives. Keep in mind that hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30 each year. By late September the weather starts to cool off a bit.

Making plans for a wedding on the beaches of the Outer Banks takes time so begin making plans as soon as you can. It will be anyone’s guess what the weather holds for your special day. The best advice is to make your plans for a beach wedding but have an alternate indoor back-up plan too just in case of inclement weather. You’ll have advance warning of that so you can relocate indoors with plenty of time to spare. This way you’re prepared no matter what the weather brings.

At Outer Banks Rentals we have a large assortment of vacation rentals that will be perfect for your visiting guests as well as some cozy properties where you can escape to spend your honeymoon! Browse our website to see our inventory of properties and if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact us.